Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul - History and heritage - About

Recently, the Seton Healthcare Family's Senior Archivist and Historian traveled throughout the central part of the United States to document the history of five of the Community Health Ministries of the Daughters of Charity.Read the stories here.

In 1633, Vincent de Paul, a humble French priest, and Louise de Marillac, a widow, established the Company of the Daughters of Charity as a group of women dedicated to serving the “poorest of the poor.” Prayer and community life were essential elements of their vocation of service.

Almost two centuries later, Elizabeth Seton, the American foundress of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, adapted the rule of the French Daughters of Charity for her Emmitsburg, Maryland community. In 1850, the Emmitsburg community united with the international community based in Paris.

Today, the Daughters of Charity are an international community of over 18,000 Catholic women ministering all over the world. The Daughters of Charity still serve the “poorest of the poor.” Their ministry touches those in need through education health care, social, and pastoral services. Prayer and community life are essential elements for their vocation of service.

Seton is proud to have four hospitals – the only hospitals in Central Texas - that have earned the Magnet designation, the highest award for nursing excellence given by the American Nurses Association.